11/06/2026
As the UK prepares for increased plastic collections under Simpler Recycling and pEPR, attention must be given not only to expanding recycling capacity but also to improving the quality and recoverability of materials entering the recycling system.
Significant volumes of plastic remain trapped within difficult-to-recycle waste streams such as anaerobic digestion de-pack rejects and offensive washroom waste, where contamination can limit recycling opportunities. By reducing the organic fraction of these materials, Advetec's biotechnology helps create a drier, more stable output that supports the separation and recovery of plastics for recycling. Unlocking value from these traditionally challenging waste streams will be essential to maximising resource recovery, increasing domestic feedstock availability and supporting the UK's circular economy ambitions.
The Reimagining Recycling report commissioned by Viridor and written by Ceres provides a compelling and evidence-based assessment on both the challenges and opportunities facing the UK's plastics recycling sector. The report demonstrates that the right policy framework and market signals could unlock nearly £6 billion of private sector investment, support the creation of circa 8,000 skilled jobs, and significantly expand domestic recycling capacity, helping to reduce reliance on exports and imported recycled materials. This is crucial given the direction of travel implemented with Simpler Recycling and pEPR, both of which will see thousands more tonnes of plastics collected that require recycling.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the report clearly articulates the economic opportunity presented by a stronger domestic recycling sector. Increased processing capacity would strengthen UK resource security, stimulate regional economic growth, attract long-term infrastructure investment and support the transition to a more circular economy.
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